Dear Cedar Park Neighbors,
Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. My first year at Bryn Mawr College has been amazing beyond belief. I did not know it until I started here, but I love this school and I love college. I have already learned so much. My interest in food production and agriculture policy used to be a hobby, something I would only read books about. Thanks to Bryn Mawr, now I know it’s something you can actually study. Although I’m still unsure of my major, I have decided that to pursue my interest in food, I would like to minor in Environmental Studies.

This first year would not have been possible without your support, financial and otherwise. The care package was so thoughtful; I cannot tell you how much it meant to me in the final weeks before winter break.

I thought you might like to know where your money went. There are three books I was able to purchase this year thanks to the Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship and that I highly recommend:

Book: My Soul is Rested by Howell Raines

Class: The Long 1960’s

This book is an incredible compilation of interviews of those involved in the civil rights movement from 1955 to 1968. The story of the civil rights movement comes through clearly in the voices of those who were involved.

Book: Homefront by Catherine Lutz

Class: Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies

An interesting look at the interconnections between the military town Fayette­ville, North Carolina, and its military base, Fort Bragg. More generally, it explores the connection between the military and the home front, and the unexpected toll this relationship takes on those at home.

Book: A River and Its City by Ari Kelman

Class: American Environmental History

American Environmental History was absolutely my favorite class this year. It is American history, but it pays close attention to the interaction between people and land, the ways people think about land, and the effect this has on human choice and historical events. A River and Its City is a study of the complex relationship between New Orleans and the Mississippi River.

I am so grateful for all of your help. It has been an amazing first year, and I could not have done it without you!